Don’t suffer in silence, help is available: Shamima Ali
THERE are a lot of women who are silent. Help is available provided you go to the right place. Fiji Women's Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali said this as we celebrate International Women’s Day today.
In her message addressing domestic violence Ms Ali shared that in 38 years of FWCC's service to Fijians, over 50,000 individuals have come forward to seek help including women in upper social classes.
"Young girls, children both boys and girls and members of the disability and LGTQ communities are also part of that number that has sought help over the years.
"What we have seen is that, those women from all walks of life, women of all races, religion, abilities, and sexual orientation have ended up here at the centre.
"However, the majority of the women are those that face domestic violence.
"So whether they are lawyers, doctors and professional women, they have all accessed our services," she said. The co-ordinator also spoke on how these women are reluctant to come forward because of the stigma that comes with seeking help.
"In spite of the abuse they would face, these women who belong to the upper socio-economic strata are often reluctant to come out and talk because they have to maintain their status.
"Even though husbands and partners continue to be abusive, they will prioritise maintaining their name.
Also, a lot of women are ashamed of their situations because they are led to believe their abuse is their fault.
"Many of them would seek support within their own circles keeping in mind that women don't call in, in the first incident. It will take many beatings and abuse for them to realise that they need help.
According to the co-ordinator of FWCC, two out of three women have experienced domestic violence in Fiji.
"We have some of the highest rates of violence in Fiji where 64 per cent of women who have been in an intimate relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence according to the study we did over 10 years ago.
"The bulk of the people who end up here, are the middle and low income earners keeping in mind that violence against women are some of the most under-reported crimes in Fiji.
She says that most women including those in upper socio-economic classes refuse to report the abuse they face. Instead they want the violence to stop. This is where FWCC team of counselors help the victims of abuse.
"These women just want someone to talk to them, someone who believes in them, who does not judge them and believes that is their right not to live a life with torture and abusive behavior.
"That's what our counselors provide for them.
“They are given legal options by our five in-house lawyers to victims of abuse where they can find out more about reporting and obtaining a DVRO for domestic violence cases.
"If she needs to keep herself safe or access medical help, the centre is there to provide help.
Whatever options they choose, we are prepared to help them through it.
"Our goal is to empower women and victims of abuse through our counseling and help that we provide”.
She urges all women of all classes and victims of abuse to reach out for help stating that FWCC sees no reason why women or anyone in the vulnerable bracket needs to be subject to any form of violence or abuse.
"The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre is the right place to come to.
We have experienced counselors who have been working for more than 15 years that have the expertise to help you.
"If you want to reach out to us, call the toll-free number 1560 in any network.
We have women all the way from Lau that call and access our services.
"You are not alone because there are other people that are also suffering around you. Remember that there is help available.